Kenneth Dillon

Kenneth H. Dillon, MSGT-USAF-Retired of Lutz, Florida lost his final battle with cancer as a result of a Vietnam War Era Service Connected Disability on February 19, 2013 at James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida. Kenneth was born on November 5, 1939 to Olon and Susan (Whitworth) Dillon in Clearwater, Florida. He was a Christian and a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the NRA. He was an NRA certified instructor and a proponent of gun rights. Throughout his twenty two years of service in the United States Air Force, he was awarded: the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the United States Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the United States Army Good Conduct Medal with a 2 knot device. He served in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange. Though his primary duty was performing aircraft maintenance, he also worked in Crash Recovery. Kenneth was given additional duties working in Para Rescue which led to him being cross trained with the Army and Marines. During his time working Para Rescue, Kenneth was able to rescue 15 pilots who were shot down in enemy territory. Due to this cross training and his marksmanship he was also called on to be a sniper. During his tours in Vietnam he earned: The Silver Star with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, a Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, an Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Silver star.

After retiring from the Air Force, Kenneth served the City of Tampa as Equipment Coordinator, retiring in 2000. Kenneth also owned his own business called SGT. D’s, where he shared his enthusiasm for firearms and firearm safety.

Preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and a grandchild; He leaves to cherish his love and memories: his wife of 41 years, Betty Dillon of Lutz, Florida; two sons, Stephen Dillon of Brooksville, Florida and Kenneth Dillon Jr. of South Carolina; two daughters; Melony Dillon of Lutz, Florida and Tina Ethridge of South Carolina; a sister, Annette Warren of Tampa, Florida; six grandchildren, Ethan Dillon and Emma Dillon, who lived with him and whom he was instrumental in their raising, Brandie Miller, Eric Robinson, Kendra Anthony and Miranda Dillon and six great grandchildren.

Kenneth’s memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 14th at 10:30 am with visitation beginning at 10 am at Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz, FL 33558 with Pastor Dean Wild. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 with the United States Air Force Military Honor Team from MacDill AFB, Florida providing military honors. Caravan will depart Grace Family Church at 12:45 pm going to the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in honor of Ken DIllon to the US Martial Arts Team for his grandson, US athlete, Ethan Dillon.  The donation can be made via http://www.gofundme.com/sg28w or mail to P.O. Box 545, Lutz, Florida  33548. 
 
Veterans Funeral Care 727-524-9202